CHRISTMAS is coming with a fun-filled Panto in the Park event in Widnes.

Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty will arrive in Victoria Park in a glittering glass carriage with Father Christmas on Sunday, December 3.

The cast from the festive show at The Brindley will give sneak previews of songs and mingle with the crowd for selfies and a chat.

Free donkey rides, Santa’s grotto, falconry, face painting, crafts and choirs will be in the park from 12 noon until 3pm.

Hundreds of runners are expected to take part in Halton Haven’s Santa Dash starts at 11am before the festivities begin.

It is the seventh year the hospice has invited fundraisers to dress up in red costumes for the fun-filled run.

Halton Cllr Eddie Jones, board member for events, said: “The council organises seasonal activities to help create a true festive spirit.

“Christmas is a time when communities come together so it will be great to see so many local people coming out to participate in and enjoy the atmosphere of this free event.

“So many happy faces and obvious community cohesion makes all of our effort in putting the event together very worthwhile.”

Heading the cast is Crissy Rock star of TV’s Benidorm and I’m A Celebrity as Fairy Nuff.

Rebecca Lake plays Princess Aurora and Andrew Curphey is Chester the Jester.

Principal dancers include Lindsey Alexander, Hollie Glossop and Jamie Luke.

The panto runs from December 11 to January 14. To book call the box office on 0151 907 8360 or visit the brindley.org.uk.

There is a British Sign Language performance on Friday, December 29 at 5pm and a relaxed performance on Sunday, January 7 at 1pm.

To register for the Santa Dash visit haltonhaven.org.uk/santa-dash, call 01928 712728 or e-mail info@haltonhaven.co.uk.